Hawaiian Islands Holiday Guide
Beautiful South Pacific Holidays

Aloha from Beautiful Hawaii Islands Holidays

What's Unique About the Hawaiian Islands

Whilst most first-time visitors think of Hawaii as a beach destination, it is a great outdoors playground. There are a dozen National Parks to explore with lush rainforest trails leading to waterfalls or along rugged coastlines. Ever thought of walking within a volcano or wandering through a pineapple or sugar plantation? How about riding on a deserted tropical beach or making a shark dive (in a shark cage)? Watch the annual humpback whale migration, take a flight over a smoking volcano or para-sail off the high cliffs, Hawaii holidays are great for singles, couples, families, honeymooners, retirees, beach lovers and adventurous travellers.

Hawaii also offers a huge variety of more relaxing holiday experiences from world class golf courses to palm fringed beaches where you can enjoy a traditional luau and learn the hula or just relax with a Mai Tai and enjoy paradise. The Hawaiian Islands is a happy melting pot of cultures and peoples, of flora and fauna, and of traditional and contemporary. But through all the changes and advancements any U.S. state experiences, Hawai'i remains a Pacific paradise, and still one of the best places on Earth to visit.

The Hawaiian Islands, one of the few island archipelagos in the North Pacific, is the only US state that is not connected to North America. Lying 4000km south-west from Los Angeles, the Hawaiian Islands is a collection of volcanic islands located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and consists of Hawaii (the Big Island), Oahu (the Gathering Place), Maui (the Valley Isle), Kauai (the Garden Isle), Molokai (the Friendly Isle), Lanai (uninhabited), Niihau (privately owned), and Kahoolawe (uninhabited). No matter which island you visit, you'll be greeted at the airport with a flower lei and welcomed with open arms to the beautiful Aloha state.

Bustling Waikiki Beach on Oahu is the centre of tourism, shopping, inexpensive hotels/motels, clubbing, and partying – on and off the sand. If you want a party, plan to spend most of your time here. You can spend a few days travelling around Oahu Island to see the sites which include the infamous surf off the North Coast, the pretty snorkelling bay of Hanauma or the cultural centre at Laie.

It's just as easy to hop on a plane and see one or two of the other islands with multi-island visits very common amongst first time visitors. Kauai Island has lush tropical forest laced with waterfalls, stunning coastal and inland hiking trails and a very laid back and more traditional Polynesian ambience. Maui Island, a more sophisticated holiday destination, has golf courses,the arts town of Lahaina, stunning scenic sites and is a great spot for watching humpback whales or getting married on a beach. The Big Island is popular with adventurers with magnificent caves and volcanoes, excellent scuba diving and deep sea game fishing. And if you want to get more off the beaten track and away from the typical beach holiday, then consider Lanai Island or Molokai Island with its more traditional Polynesian lifestyle and rich history.

Hawaii Travel Guide

Each of the Hawaiian Islands was once an independent kingdom, and each island has its own personality, history, culture, and landscape. You can stay at a 5-star resort hotel or a quaint cottage by the sea, at prices ranging from the ridiculously low to the incredibly high. In the cities there is public transportation and taxis to help you get around. But hiring a car, scooter, or bike and exploring each island is really the way to go. It's not the least expensive holiday you'll ever enjoy – the cost of living on the islands is high – but it is one of the best holidays you'll ever experience. Walking along the soft sand beaches in perfect weather one minute, then being cooled off by a quick rainfall the next; don't worry, the sun and breeze will dry you off in just a few minutes. Watching the enthusiastic surfers catch the waves and shoot the curls like they're in a movie. Then working your way up to the top of Mauna Kea to snow ski/board the 'pineapple powder' on the world's highest mountain.

Almost all air traffic into and out of Hawai'i goes through Honolulu International Airport on Oahu, although there are small international airports on Maui and the Big Island - flights between the four main islands operate throughout the day and are very reasonably priced, and there are several daily flights from Oahu to Lanai and Molokai. There are no inter-island ferry services apart from the daily run between Maui and Molokai / Lanai. Niihau, a private island off the coast of Kauai, was once only open to family and invited guests; now there is limited access from Kauai for helicopter or hunting trips. Whether you stay on one island or visit many, you'll never forget the sights, sounds, tastes, and beauty of Hawai'i.

Fun Things to Do on Holiday in the Hawaiian Islands